Google is adding new features and bug fixes to its Internet of Things development platform. The company revealed a recent update to the platform, Android Things Developer Preview 3. “This preview is part of our commitment to provide regular updates to developers who are building Internet of Things (IoT) products with our platform. Android developers …
Google releases the third developer preview of Android Things Read More »
Voice control is cool, but the future of toggling complex systems of devices — like your home theater or smart home setup — is with gestures. At least, that’s what the developers behind the $150 Singlecue would have you believe. If this device sounds familiar, it’s because we looked at it a few years back …
Technically Incorrect offers a slightly twisted take on the tech that’s taken over our lives. Enlarge Image Very consumer friendly? Garadget “First consumer-friendly garage door controller is now on Kickstarter.” So began the press release for Garadget. When I tell you this tale, first reported by Ars Technica, you might wonder about the meaning of …
Company bricks smart garage-door opener after bad review Read More »
Pros: Easy to setup, expandable, no contract, no monthly fees, HD quality videos, free cloud storage and excellent notification system, multiple packages. Cons: Need IFTTT to connect to non-iSmartAlarm products. One of the first big purchases homeowners often make is a security system to protect what’s often their biggest investment. But knowing where to start …
Review: iSmartAlarms, one of the best DIY home security systems Read More »
The $299 Sense Home Energy Monitor (£240 and AU$390 at the current exchange rate) is supposed to bridge the gap between your utility-issued electric meters and detailed usage data. Sense successfully communicated whole-home watts at-a-glance during our testing. It also detected a few of the large appliances in the CNET Smart Home automatically. But like …
Pros: Easy to setup, low cost, entry-level product, extensive product line, compatibility with other devices, dual-band connection, Wi-Fi mesh extender, Alexa-enabled, and supports Apple HomeKit. Cons: Creating scenes, pairing devices to hub. One of the most comprehensive home automation kits we reviewed last year was the Insteon Connected Kit. (See our review on Insteon Connected …
Review: Insteon Starter Kit, a three-in-one kit for today's smart home Read More »
Logitech’s ZeroTouch smartphone holder has been on the market for almost a year, but I’ve ignored it because my beat doesn’t include mobile devices. That changed about a month ago when Logitech integrated Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service into its ZeroTouch app. Now I can use voice commands to control my smart home while I’m in …
Reuters (Adds comment from Consumer Technology Association) March 6 (Reuters) – Consumer Reports, an influential U.S. non-profit group that conducts extensive reviews of cars, kitchen appliances and other goods, is gearing up to start considering cyber security and privacy safeguards when scoring products. The group, which issues scores that rank products it reviews, said on …
Consumer Reports to consider cyber security in product reviews Read More »
In a world where we replace our technology every two or three years, wouldn’t it be nice to simply update what we already have? For appliance makers worldwide, making sure their products are synonymous with all things ‘smart’ and ‘connected’ is the new imperative. Things that were previously un-technological have suddenly sprouted circuits, and soon …
Home Review: Why Upgrades, Not Purchasing, Is The Key To IoT Market Share Read More »
Pros: Security, protects 50+ devices simultaneously, price, DHCP mode, works with Wi-Fi extenders, home and business use. Cons: Setup is complicated, subscription plan, doesn’t work with VOIP routers. Keeping your Internet of Things secure is one of the main concerns among consumers. Protecting your connected devices from hackers or unwanted visitors is vital to building …
Review: CUJO, a Smart Firewall for Today's Connected Devices Read More »